Saturday, May 30, 2009

Chris @ An Instand Out Of Time, who has a smoking bomb blog, and a photography blog has taught me something new! How to lasso some color, and take the rest to a black and white scale. You would think I know how to lasso, since I grew up in the land of Texas Longhorns, and wild hares on the open range. No, I skipped class that day...

This is for Cheryl, and all my Texan friends who have not seen my hair so short! Yes, I cut it off again, and have never looked back. I actually have to go visit RC again in White House Station; which reminds me, no re-launch party was ever held Girlichef! We think the place was too much, and it will be on they say in a few months, or next season...which ever comes first!

My hair was a beautiful shade of auburn growing up, and down my back. After grey started showing up I gave it a little kick with the help of Matrix So-Color, but now this could be pretty close to what it looks like when I have to color it monthly...

I had a good laugh yesterday as I went to a wine dinner down south and decided to show up with a fake nose ring...hubby did not even notice until I hit the sun, and it glistened. The minute the perspiration hit my face from walking around Bordentown, it fell off, and I kept putting it back on! Oh, and can you say 'trim those eyebrows'. Now I look like that eye doctor, Dr. Grafton, I used to make fun of! Karma...

I like photo shop...you can remove those unwanted double chins. Wish I could remove this darn sprained ankle I woke up in pain with today...

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Water is the theme for our Friday Shoot Out this week. My holiday weekend was full of water. Actually you can find me, if I go missing, almost always seeking out the nearest body of water and a boat if I can get my hands on one. This is my hubby's youngest brothers home on the beach of Long Island. He is a fertility doctor that has done well for himself the past seven years, since he got out of medical school, we call him 'Anasazi Doc'...

I grew up thinking most families found solace in watery adventures and on vacations like mine did...

Seems like lately I 'intend to' do more involved posts, but unfortunately I received two sets of bad news. My sister Donna Kay's father passed away Wednesday; which he has been touch and go for months now, and my brother-in-law of forty-one years old 'Anasazi Doc' has cancer. We will know more, as we have found out it takes time, and full of waiting...

Sometimes reflecting on what we have, we've lost, and what is to come helps put things in perspective. A good long walk helps too....

Many natural rivers and canals surround me here in New Jersey. Some most excellent fishing occurs, dudes!

If you look close enough you will see my artist view of my fishing partner and sweetie fishing off the damn wall, no I am not cursing, just a typo...he is fishing off the Dam wall!

Nothing like a little natural scenery to get you in the mood for some good poetry...

Some like water in unusual ways... A waitress let me snap a photo of her newest tattoo...

My adopted sister, Donna Kay is a photographer, and I would like to honor her with some photos taken on a trip to Cap Cod, and she knows my thoughts and heart is with her...

Of course she just wanted to travel somewhere she has not been to get some good photos for her business, and pleasure. Me, I have one request. Whale sightings that involve boats! So we go, and not only do we get a wonderful extended summer weather in October, but we hit the whale jackpot on this trip out.

We have so much fun together when we travel, a hoot and a holler as we say in the south!

Boy, did they show off for us! Wish I had the one of me on the window of the boat. I threw myself up against the window with my mouth wide open as if a bird had just dropped me. Donna looked up and almost wet her pants, and snapped a photo...tis a hoot and a holler too!

My own blue whale pic taken off the coast of San Juan Island, WA... We could not get any closer due to so many boats out there...

I know it will be hard for her, as I miss my father, and remember spending a lot of time in his boat in the photo above...

My father always said..."We Akin might give out, but we never give up", and those are words I still live by today. If the motor ever gave out, we knew he would jump in and swim us back to shore...

I will finish this off with a big glass of soothing tea. Yep, Grover's Mill Coffee House serves up this hot cup of what my first though 'Aquarium Water'.

It is a flower bud that opens up once it begins to steep in the water. Soothing, and just what I needed to wash away and ease busy days gone by...

If you want to join us in our fun Friday Shoot Out, all you have to do is look for the theme that will be added later, and at the end of this post, so come back and see what was picked for next week! Go check out some of the other posts below...

Monday, May 25, 2009

Alton Glen Akin, Sr., was in the navy for four years. Not because he was patriotic. Not because he was called to duty. He enlisted to escape what he felt was a cruel world, and to fight a battle within. His world had become full of petty troubles, and drinking. He joined the Navy to become a man, because that is what he thought was needed to help make him more responsible. His own father had enlisted, but a few weeks later War World II had ended. Neither of them fought in active duty, or saw the nightmare of war that many have.

My grandfather had built glider planes since he could pick up tools. He dreamed of soaring with birds. He died wanting to be recognized for his accomplishments, but all he had gotten was his own personal touch of a plane on his tombstone. My father spent much of his life wanting his father to make up for time spent being away with those planes, and not with him. My father was always running away his whole life. I did not understand until just before he passed away in 2004 on my son's seventeenth birthday.

Daddy shared the story with me about the struggle to forgive his father, and himself. He had shared many stories with us about being stationed in Japan; going for a swim off the ship one day, and almost drowning as he drifted to far out into the ships wake; about the fellow officer who dived in after him and saved his life. Many many stories were told that involved his sense of humor, KP duties and thousands of peeled potatoes, but yet the things he talked about were so crazy; that now I look back and think he almost had a death wish. He was in trouble by the Military Police so many times, that I am surprised I found his honorable discharge papers after he passed away.

Daddy told me that he was sorry for all the things he had done. He had realized that he neglected his own children while drowning in the sorrow of his own fatherly ghosts. My father told my own son before he passed to never join the service. He felt that all he learned how to do was to drink and carouse more than if you had not joined. He was still blaming the Navy for what he had brought on himself earlier in life.

What my father never knew is that I was so proud of him being in the Navy; that I tried to join myself, but was turned away due to my eyesight. At one time they did not deny a person with poor eyesight, but somewhere down the road they became strict. I knew I was wasting my life with the parties, the running away from my poor family life, the alcoholic father, and abusive mother. I thought the Navy might help me make better choices. Later in life I saw that I could make a difference without that career path, and I am doing just fine.

I realized today after reading many stories about active duty fathers; that my fathers own story was a different kind of hero story. He fought a different kind of battle. He was an alcoholic, and suffered from depression. During his lifetime he had not embraced that what he had was a disease. He came from a long line of alcoholics, and that is why his own father did not drink. They could not. My own son has discovered he has a low tolerance for drinking, and has decided finally to focus on school and his career. We talk about my father, and the battles we have overcome.

I love my father, and his father. I love my son. Forgiveness and love are two weapons that could wipe out many wars, but we each have to fight battles the best that we can. So many battles have been fought for so many reasons, but I do not agree with war. I am patriotic, and so was my father, but I hope my own son does not have to go into any battles outside of his own.

I took the photo above this weekend and thought about those who have fought for freedom. I think about my cousin who went to Vietnam, and has never recovered from the scars. I think about the ones over there now, and wish it all could be resolved. I will always remember my daddy, and how for his own reasons he chose the navy, and how he loved the water. How at peace he was during those times in his boat. The further from shore he was, the happier he got. Out there, he had no battles.

Alton Glen Akin, Sr- December 4th, 1925-04; I found his discharge paper when I had to take over his affairs after being diagnosed with Parkinson's, and turned them in to have the flag ceremony at his funeral service. Daddy might not have wanted this, as he never spoke of the Navy in a total positive way, but his children were proud he served those four years in the Navy, and he still deserved to be honored. Joining the service is a choice; even if it is for the wrong reasons sometimes. If my son decides one day to join the service; it is his choice, and I will honor his wishes.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

This weeks theme is 'Red', but right now I am making plans to paint Dallas, Texas when I arrive in a few weeks...

'...and they are still with you even when they leave this earth...!'

Well I did not have to go far to paint my town...I wore a lovely shade of red from last Friday to this past Tuesday, and have been shaking it off ever since.

My car went missing in front of the school where I teach culinary classes each week. Yep, just not in the spot I left it. I was in shock, but by the time I had to deal with everything...all I could see was red, but a surprisingly calmer shade of red than usual. We found it, I got it back, so all is fine, it just left me days behind in my work. 'Ketch' up is over, and red...

I decided since I was behind on my week, I had to improvise and use photos already taken around my town from last year to the past few days. They are connected with memories of more soothing and humorous shades of red.

'This is Super Pup, and he rode in the convertible to my cafe every Saturday...'

I am all about words, and being passionate and compassionate in all that we do in this life...

If you want to join us in our fun Friday Shoot Out, all you have to do is look for the theme that will be added later, and at the end of this post, so come back and see what was picked for next week! Go check out some of the other posts below...

Next Friday Shoot Out is 'Water Assignment'...not sure what that really might mean, but I am taking a guess that some states have been pelted by the rain, but I have lots of water surround me, so it is a good one...

When we are born, and find there are many paths in life, we begin to dream. Dreaming about our future, love, faces we miss dearly, work, flying, things that scare us (like our future), people we love, people we might despise, but still should love; then sometimes we dream about falling. Funny how you can wake up and feel like it is so real.

Falling in a dream can mean so many things. Falling in love, in lust, and even into arms of someone you might not have ever thought you could ever! Falling from the sky, off a cliff, or just falling means you might be stressed or worried about something or someone. I read that if you dream about someone falling; it might mean they need your support.

I had a dream the other night about someone I know as a fellow chef, a musician and good friend, we are the same age, and I continue to look forward to our talks at open mic. He has worked very hard to get to his position in life as an executive chef. In my dream he and I fell into a place that I would never have imagined. I saw him last night with his big grin, and hugs. I found out that on the day he fell into my arms, he was fired from his job...

My dreams over the years of life's path for me, my wants, my desires have come at a price. Getting older is a hard road to travel, but I do it with all the strength and gusto I can. You find with your own children their dreams over shadow, or mingle with your own, but we have to let them travel their own roads. Have their own dreams.

Day dreaming is something I can't help do on occasion... When it rains literally or figuratively; day dreaming is a good escape...

Friends and blogs have shared some life changing and eventful dreams that are either exciting, shattered, altered, and even still possible. This helps for us to see we all share similar circumstance in one way or another. I cannot stop dreaming, nor want to. Whether sleeping, or awake...let the rain fall!

For you who hurt, lovers, Texas, and friend-

(Taking Cover) A Hard Rain

Something about a hard rainwhen it comes downthrough trees to the groundtaking cover like people dojust in time and just enough

travels through hair- over noseslovers embrace- strangers watchquiet kisses- moments in time

washes over- turns into streamsquenches thirst- starts firesscattered clouds- here for all time

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

I received this in an email from a friend regarding my needing a friendly 'lift' regarding my catering van 'Incident'. I always get the cutest photos in these type of email, and it never give credit to the photographer, but you almost feel as though this reaches out and oozes with true love, and friendship, so thanks to the 'Unknown' photographer, and hey ya'll in Texas...

Reaching Out

Mishapsstumblinggrumblingmissing the markplaced by unintentional circumstancehands reaching outpulling us upbrushing us offmassaging the whoatending each blowarmed with salty kissesmarching arm in armtimes army does grow, asfriends are bestowed...

Gordon, Reggie, and all the others that always give me kind words about my work, and efforts to make a difference in this world full of skeptics... I thank you with all my heart! I miss the ones who have not returned, but that is how tree branches swing...to and fro...

Monday, May 18, 2009

Okay, now this is way to funny not to go over and check out... I found this site on 'Blogs of Note' at the bottom of the dashboard. I try and go check out new blogs now and then, and then began laughing as I read about...

Sunday, May 17, 2009

This photo was taken while fishing up in northern Jersey in the fall. One of my favorite times to get out on the water for trout fishing. I grew up on the water, and in a boat fishing. My heart and pen find such poetry there...

This poem and photo were published last year in a magazine, and in the Delaware River Poets Journal of Lambertville, NJ...

'PRETTY BROOK' (Re-vision 2)

Sputtering brook winding down as far as eyes can see just past our way fish jump hearts pump as lines are cast the fresh taste of things to come...

Cast iron heatwith a little oil, cornmeal breading and baiting patience and waiting listen to geese, bullfrogs small birds, the breeze the quiet moments we steal...

Watch men in waders pass by in and out of glory their big fish stories dip down into watery holes, up to their knees...

You and me,a pole, wiggly worms and hook sharing landscape full of more history than fish mile for mile casting a new path, down off Pretty Brook...

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

This week's Friday Shoot Out is 'Transportation', and was chosen by Gigi who wants to see how we all get around our towns. I took the photo above one day coming home from work. Try pulling your camera out of the brief case while driving 60 mph on the highway! I got lucky it came out at all...

For the past two weeks my mode of transportation from my door to the van has been my feet. They decided it was time to fix the pot holes in the parking lot, and our development section was first...between the rain, and this I was walking; which is good for me. I intentionally park at the back of lots so I have to walk more. We do get lazy at times, and I know standing on my feet in front of a stove is not exercise...maybe the mind.

You might want to go check out my post on my mean and lean 'Orange' machine. That story will speak for this mode of transportation I so love...

My walking shoes for the week...see I told you I like orange! This was taken while I was on the look out for Gordon Ramsey in White House Station, New Jersey on Tuesday. I spent the day with my friend Robert C., and we spent the entire day bouncing around his little town on our tootsies!

I saw quite a few of these going past me on Main Street of White House Station. This is definitely not the short bus...

New Jersey has quite the transit system going into neighboring states like NYC, PA, and you can even ride down to Washington, DC to walk around the state capitol. My friend said I was nuts, but we check the schedule to see if we could ride to the next town, and then come back. The schedule was to far apart and we had lots of walking around to do...

Maybe next time I can go check out what High Bridge, NJ looks like by train...

After talking to these three people I found out they were there for the same reason, well one of the reasons I was, and it was not to take a ride on the train!

We all were watching the back door to see if we could get a Gordon Ramsey sighting...

I hear the train a comin'It's rollin' 'round the bend,And I ain't seen the sunshine,Since, I don't know when,I'm stuck in Folsom Prison,And time keeps draggin' on,But that train keeps a-rollin',On down to San Antone.

...............................................

I bet there's rich folks eatin',In a fancy dining car,They're probably drinkin' coffee,And smokin' big cigars,But I know I had it comin',I know I can't be free,But those people keep a-movin',And that's what tortures me.

~ Johnny Cash, Folsom Prison

This is Robert C's cute little boutique salon, Salon Opus...

He gave me a whole new look that afternoon. No formal photos of that until I go to Texas, and my big'Sis Donna Kay takes a few of me...let's just say it is short and sassy! I have got more walking for us to do...

Robert told me he lived near a very once popular restaurant called the 'Ryland Inn'. I have heard so much about this place and was sad to see it in ruin (another post).

This area of New Jersey is known for another mode of transportation, but this is as close as I got to a photo of a horse. We passed many horse farms on the way to this place. I am writing a piece on the history of these grounds. The place is huge, so a good pair of walking shoes and pants to protect me from the bugs were needed for my next quest...

This I was told on my tour was once a thriving garden, and full of things my friend had never even heard of. The old owner/chef used everything he grew for the restaurant, and how fascinated I became...

I love to explore old barns. Hoping to find some relic of the past I can claim as my own...

Jesse is now another friend of mine that lives a few towns over from where Robert and I were walking around, and what is just another cute little historic town to walk? Frenchtown is where her studio is, and it is a lovely place near the river!

I love going into her studio and checking out what she is currently working on. I did not take any photos of her new 'Robins Egg Blue' bathroom she wanted to show off, but lets just say she stays very busy. I bought a piece from her called 'Thinking Tree' that I fell in love with (another post), and will share it later...

I said 'River', and canal! Another means of transportation in New Jersey, as we have canals all along my neighborhood. Mules were used to pull the barge down these canals, and are no longer used except for canoes and kayaks. They are great fishing spots for hubby and I!

This time of the evening is great for walks, fishing, and biking!

Princeton University has these little babies for trekking all over the campus and crossing surrounding streets...

Thanks for letting me take you on this 'transporting' adventure!

If you want to join us in our fun Friday Shoot Out, all you have to do is look for the theme that will be added later, and at the end of this post, so come back and see what was picked for next week! Go check out some of the other posts below...

About Me

"I experiment with Flavors"...
Elizabeth Stelling, hails from her home state of Texas and has been involved in the food industry via institutional, fast food, B&B's, ethnic eateries and other restaurants since she was fourteen. Now living n New Jersey she has ran her own cafe, teaches culinary classes, runs a small boutique catering and staffing business, restaurant consulting for NJWBO, is a personal chef and shares her love of cooking with local, organic, healthy, and natural ingredients with the community.
Chef E is a member of Slow Food and the American Wine Society, Princeton, New Jersey. She has published written works of poetry and media pieces, as well as ran Open Mics in the Princeton, NJ area.
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